1099 form

The vast majority of freelancers like being independent workers -- right up until they have to deal with the added complexity it puts on their taxes. If you freelanced in 2012, here's what you should know, before those 1099 forms start arriving.

No one is claiming that an IRS audit is a cakewalk. But a tax audit is probably less likely -- and less gruesome -- than most people fear. And the IRS isn't allowed to swoop down upon you just any old time: Their clock is ticking.